Walt Frazier recalls ‘intense’ rivalry with Jo Jo White and Celtics

MEMPHIS — Walt Frazier remembered Jo Jo White as a gentleman, a fierce rival and Boston Celtics legend who was difficult to guard.

"The guy was one of the quickest guys in the league," Frazier said on Wednesday. "He could really shoot off the dribble, get you going back and pull up and shoot off the jumper. He epitomized what the Celtics were. They were always a running team. He provided that."

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White, a two-time NBA champion with the Boston Celtics and Finals MVP, died Tuesday at age 71. According to a family spokesman, White died from "complications (of pneumonia) from dementia that was brought on by the removal of a benign brain tumor in May 2010."

"I have a lot of memories of him," said Frazier, the Hall of Fame Knicks guard who suffered a minor facial injury when he was hit in the face with a ball during the game. "A lot of profound memories."